Choose a class, and write it on your character sheet. The Class Overview table summarizes the classes. See "Classes" for the classes' details.
| Class | Likes | Primary Ability | Complexity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barbarian | Battle | Strength | Average |
| Bard | Performing | Charisma | High |
| Cleric | Gods | Wisdom | Average |
| Druid | Nature | Wisdom | High |
| Fighter | Weapons | Strength or Dexterity | Low |
| Monk | Unarmed combat | Dexterity and Wisdom | High |
| Paladin | Defense | Strength and Charisma | Average |
| Ranger | Survival | Dexterity and Wisdom | Average |
| Rogue | Stealth | Dexterity | Low |
| Sorcerer | Power | Charisma | High |
| Warlock | Occult lore | Charisma | High |
| Wizard | Spellbooks | Intelligence | Average |
Write Your Level
Write your character's level on your character sheet. Typically, a character starts at level 1 and advances in level by adventuring and gaining Experience Points (XP).
Write Your XP. Also record your Experience Points. A level 1 character has 0 XP.
Starting at a Higher Level. Your GM might start you at a higher level. If you start at level 3 or higher, write your chosen subclass on your character sheet. See the "Starting at Higher Levels" section later in "Character Creation" for more information.
Note Armor Training
Your class might give you training with certain categories of armor. Note your armor training on your character sheet. Armor training with a kind of armor means you can wear that armor effectively, gaining defensive bonuses from it. The categories of armor are described in "Equipment."
More Rules
Explore other rules in the same category
Step 2: Character Origin
Determining your character's origin involves choosing a background, a species, and two languages. A character's background represents the place and …
Step 3: Ability Scores
To determine your character's ability scores, you first generate a set of six numbers using the instructions below and then …
Step 4: Alignment
Choose your character's alignment from the options below, and note it on your character sheet. The game assumes that player …
Step 5: Character Creation Details
Now fill in the rest of your character sheet. ### Record Class Features Look at your class's feature table in …
Gaining a Level
When you gain a level, follow these steps: 1. **Choose a Class.** Most characters advance in the same class. However, …